Efficient dye-sensitized solar cells based on hierarchical rutile TiO2 microspheres

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are fabricated based on rutile TiO 2 microspheres that are synthesized by a hydrothermal route. We found that, with increasing deposition time, semi microspheres get converted into microspheres. Our results show that the TiO 2 -based cells exhibit a noticeable improvement in the overall efficiency: maximum 3.81% versus 0.67% for the reference cell made of a rutile TiO 2 semispherical nanocrystalline film. This extraordinary result is attributed to the effective light trapping and dye loading resulting in the highest efficiency 3.81%.

Single-step synthesis of 3D nanostructured TiO2 as a scattering layer for vertically aligned 1D nanorod photoanodes and their dye-sensitized solar cell properties

“…Thus for an efficient DSSC a relatively thick (y10 mm) titania layer is required. Recent efforts to synthesise exotic nano-morphologies of TiO 2 such as 1D nanorods, 3 nanowires, 4 nanocorals, 5 hierarchical microspheres 6,7 nanotubes, 8 mesocrystalline rutile TiO 2 nanorod arrays, 9 {001} faceted anatase TiO 2 10,11 and single walled TiO 2 nanotubes 9 by various chemical routes, [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] are promising approaches towards improved electron transport and effective light harvesting capability.…”

Band alignment tuned by 3-PPA SAMs interfacial modification to enhance the conversion efficiency of ZnO/ZnS heterostructure quantum dots sensitized solar cells

“…Among all types of solar cells, the quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) as a derivative from dye-sensitized solar cells with low cost and simple fabrication processes have been widely studied [1][2][3]. Although, the quantum dots sensitizers exhibit fantastic advantages in comparison with conventional dyes such as quantum confinement effect, higher extinction coefficient and multiple exciton excitation, the conversion efficiency of QDSSCs is still much lower than that of 13 % of DSSCs [4][5][6].…”

Hybrid Graphene‐Metal Oxide Solution Processed Electron Transport Layers for Large Area High‐Performance Organic Photovoltaics

“…The peaks at 438, 598 and 797 cm −1 of pristine TiO 2 are the B 1g , A 1g , and E g phonon vibrations in the lattice, characteristic for TiO 2 . 29 – 32 Similarly, for pristine ZnO the characteristic phonon peaks appear at 450 cm −1 (E 2 high ), 571 cm −1 (LO), 667 cm −1 (P (plasma)), 894 cm −1 (2E 2 high ), 1035 cm −1 (2LO), 1800 cm −1 (3LO), 2411 cm −1 (4LO) and 2900 cm −1 (5LO). 33 – 37 Distinctive graphene signature D and G bands were observed at 1322 cm −1 and 1599 cm −1 respectively in Raman spectra of graphenated TiO 2 and ZnO metal oxide films confirming the materials’ composition.…”